Alison Wheeler and The South to play in Leamington this week

WITH a collection of instantly recognisable songs, The Beautiful South rose to be one of the most successful bands of the 1990s.

Now partially reformed after a split in 2007 and with a new name, The South, the band come to Leamington’s Assembly next Thursday (February 23) to play the hits which brought them so much success.

Their reformation came as welcome news to fans after their split almost five years ago which the band joked was down to “musical similarities”. Their biggest chart-toppers from their 19-year career include Song for Whoever, Perfect Ten, Rotterdam, Don’t Marry Her, You Keep It All In and Old Red Eyes is Back.

A statement from The South said: “We’re bringing our music back to the nation. Dave Hemingway and Ali Wheeler loved the songs and life on the road too much to just muse on past glories, and so The South was formed.

“Now the band are delighted to announce an intimate series of headline shows across the UK in February and March 2012. The Small is Beautiful tour is a great chance for lovers of this truly classic British pop band to reconnect with the musicians and the music once again.”

On top of a slew of classic singles, the band are also working in some brand new material.

If you loved the music of The Beautiful South first time around, then you’re in luck – The South offer a chance to hear some of the greatest ever pop songs performed as they were intended to be, by those who played them in the first place.